Launching an effective job networking strategy is an important component of the job search. Whether through a community group, a professional career-related society, or an online networking tool such as Linkedin, expanding one’s professional career network is key to a successful job search.
A good rule of thumb when attending networking events is to bring plenty of resumes to hand out to those who may know of a company who is hiring. However, printing and distributing copies can quickly become cumbersome, particularly if the information spills over onto a second page. This is where the micro resume may come in handy.
What is a Micro Resume?
A micro resume is a small, condensed version of the job seeker’s summary of qualifications. Micro resumes are typically printed on business cards for maximum portability. Because they are so small and easily transported, these tiny lists of qualifications are perfect for job networking events and other occasions where the job seeker meets a potential employer.
What are the Components of a Micro Resume?
At first glance, it may seem virtually impossible for the job seeker to write a summary of qualifications on a tiny business card. However, if written properly, the micro resume can impress the employer enough to follow up with the job seeker for a full evaluation of job skills and work history. The main components are
- contact information – written on the front side of the business card
- job title – written on the back side of the business card
- job skills and achievements – written on the back side of the business card in bulleted list format
How to Write an Effective Micro Resume
An effective micro resume that garners further interest from employers and possibly even a job interview requires a simple copying of text from the main resume, then professionally printed on business cards. For example:
(front of business card)
Jennifer Jones
234 Penn Ave.
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104
999-999-9999
jenniferjones@email.com
(back of business card)
- SAP Implementation Specialist
- Eight years of experience implementing SAP FICO, MM, SD, and PP for numerous Fortune 500 companies
- Certified SAP professional
- Experienced ABAP programmer
- SAP documentation and training delivery
Bottom Line on Writing an Effective Micro Resume
Bottom line, writing a micro resume for job networking is a convenient way to distribute a brief synopsis of the job seeker’s summary of qualifications. When written to include important contact information on the front of the business card and a bulleted list of job skills and accomplishments on the back of the card, employers who are handed a micro resume may be encouraged to contact the candidate for the full summary of qualifications and a job interview.
Daniel Gansle - Daniel J. Gansle is the author of 2012: Day of Reckoning, graduate of Anthropological Studies and expert in ancient Mayan culture.
